All the confirmed maps in Counter-Strike 2 so far

May 2, 2023

From the early days of CS 1.6 to Counter-Strike 2, it’s the maps that rope in players and retain them. The nostalgia-inducing visuals from CS 1.6 and Source keep the players hooked to Valve’s iconic shooter. In CS2, the devs are sticking to tradition but adding a modern dash of colors and class.

Valve has made several changes in Counter-Strike 2, including visual and environmental effects, making the game look fresher and more attractive for players. So far, the developer has announced seven maps in the testing phase.

Here are all the confirmed maps for Counter-Strike 2 so far.

CS2 may feel like a new game, but maps would mostly look the same. Valve has categorized its updated maps into three groups depending on the extent of the modifications and improvements: Full Overhaul, Upgrade, and Touchstone maps.

Full Overhaul Maps

These maps are fully revamped with extreme changes and a glossy Source 2 finish. The layout remains the same, but Overhaul maps are a visual treat. Valve has employed powerful Source 2 tools and rendering methods to change the map’s mood and lighting effects. As a result, most maps are illuminated to look fresh and tempting.

The most notable Overhaul map is Overpass. It stands out as a game-changer among all, with upgrades to texture and lighting that are especially prominent in the canal underpass and park areas, far surpassing what anyone could have imagined. An upgraded sniper peak can be seen in A Long area. The visual effect also looks better in the Lower Tunnel and Restroom.

Italy has also undergone a complete overhaul. Those who look at the map for the first time may not find many changes, but if you are the one who played Italy from the time when we had to rescue at least two hostages, you will be pleased to see a more colorful market side and enhanced tunnel area. In addition, the House Window area has been improved and is way more organized now.

Upgrade Maps

Upgrade maps are those that looked just fine but needed that Source 2 magic to stand out. These maps also got a fair share of updates that may not be as noticeable, but keen-eyed players will enjoy them. With the new color scheme and changing world things, these maps will look reenergized and eye-catching to the players.

First on the Upgrade list is Nuke, a map you enjoy only if you’re good at it. This map has undergone a great transformation with Source 2 strokes throughout the buildings, ramps, and floor. Especially the light glimpse on Bomb Site B and the ramp are a sight for sore eyes.

Ancient is the latest competitive map added to CSGO in the last quarter of 2020, so it doesn’t need a massive overhaul. However, in this upgrade, the map’s natural surroundings, including the water physics and greenery, have been enhanced to look more realistic.

Touchstone Maps

These maps appear in CS2 trailer with minimal changes and are categorized in the Touchstone class. Besides Source 2 lightning, nothing major has been done to these staple locations in Counter-Strike.

The only map that is currently available in CS2 beta, Dust, is a Touchstone map. This map received a mint of changes as dust2 is always considered the signature map of Counter-Strike. As a result, the changes to the map have been mainly superficial, with only minor tweaks made to its appearance. However, it is worth noting that the CT spawn and lower tunnel now have high-quality golden bulbs and are no longer a safe haven for campers to hide between the boxes, which may also have a tactical impact.

CSGO’s second most popular map Mirage will also get just tiny changes, which should be great news for ranked grinders who spam this location in MM. Like all maps in CS2, Mirage’s layout will remain the same as before. However, Valve has heavily worked on beautification as Mirage’s underpass looks more stunning in CS2. It also has a gleaming palace area that will have you searching for your reflection on the walls.

Finally, Train is the last map that falls in our Touchstone category. This Locoshed-based map is considered one of the most balanced maps in Counter-Strike. Valve has revealed only a little about this map, excluding the mint changes in the ambiance of the map. However, better lighting effects can be seen in T-spawn.

So, these are all the maps confirmed so far in CS2. It’s worth noting that these are all potential competitive maps, but all locations in CS2 will benefit from Source 2 visuals. For now, only Dust2 can be experienced in the game, with more maps to be released in the summer when CS2 becomes globally available.